DOGBLOG - Getting our fluffy White Nomad RV-ready

SETI has reached a high state of preparation. First a vet check, then a waterproof coat and a pet carry backpack (so we can even go shopping with him when we tuck his head in). The bag will also take a computer - and contains a fold out soft cage. We call it his pleasure dome. He loves it, as you can see. Another essential, we fitted him with a dog tag that has our mobile phone number etched on the back for instant retrieval should he ever decide to go walkabout on the journey.

Weatherproofing Seti

Pet backpack. It has meshed sides for air and it's roomy.

Where's the doggone dog gone?

"What's this?" Inside the backpack is a secret pop-up compartment.

Thinks: "In Xanadu did Kubla Khan a stately pleasure dome decree..."

Roy's instant 'man cave' - an add-on day tent for our campervan

Some preparation ideas for the road.

We've bought a lightweight anti-fly and mosquito "Cube", made by Wild Country, a small, spring loaded pop-up tent. Then we found some parachute silk on-line for $7 and a good friend made us a tailored throw-over to go on top and create an instant day tent. Opens in seconds. Keeps out gatecrashing insects - and even prying eyes!

While the new Diversion campervan is roomy, it's nice to have an escape, without having to drag along a heavy tent and poles. 

As you can see, there's plenty of room for a table, chairs, two people and our little dog, Seti.

While still open, the tent should also tuck in nicely under the van's large, wind-out awning for shelter when rainy, but it only takes minutes to put away.

I can see Roy happily authoring in there, especially when I've got the van's TV playing - and I look forward to us both enjoying a glass of wine or a barbecue dinner under shelter, without those biting mossies and flies that always seem to target me.

Sizing-up and ordering our new Diversion Winnebago

Here we are ordering and sizing up the new Silvery Nomad. It’s compact, but has everything, even a shower and loo. We think of it as i-Pad living (compared with a massive desktop). We’re tech savvy and into Macs, i-Phones etc. Speaking of which, we’ve learnt to tether our i-Phones as internet hot spots so we can stay connected on the road.  Roy can write his novels and do his freelance advertising writing from the dark side of the moon – well, at least from the Back of Bourke!

 A comfy day bed and lounge that becomes the lower bed (the top one comes down from the roof)

 Ordering essential extras - nudge bar, flyscreens, Sat nav, Blue tooth, reversing camera. Already feeling at home, barefoot and relaxed

We call this compact "i-Pad living". Small, cleverly designed, user friendly